CARROLL COUNTY, Ind.- A senior citizen is recovering after being attacked by a dog. The pit bull came at the 76-year-old woman as she was just out trying to get her mail last week.

“I shouldn’t have to live in fear. I mean I should be able to go out in my yard if I want to,” said Pat Duff.

Duff has broken bones, bruises and bite marks on her thigh.

“He was braced ready to jump and I knew there was nothing I could do to get away from him,” she said.

This is at least the second violent dog attack in Carroll County in the past year or so. Last fall, a pack of four pit bulls mauled two young women as they were jogging. After that attack, county officials started talking about safety changes. Carroll County hasn’t had an Animal Care and Control Department since 2008.

“It’s been somewhat difficult as time went along. Obviously we’ve continued to see the need as to bring animal control back as we go along,” said Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby.

Sheriff Leazenby isn’t sure if the call volume has increased over the years, but he feels the calls have gotten more severe. Funding has already been approved for next year to reinstate the county’s Animal Care and Control Department.

Although Duff understands accidents happen, she feels this could’ve been avoided and more enforcement is a good step.

The pit bull knocked Duff in the middle of the busy road in front of her own. She believes the traffic coming toward them scared the dog, but a trucker who stopped is what saved her.

“All I know is I can say angels drive semis because he was an angel,” said Duff.

The dog owner was issued a citation and has a pending court date. A reporter has been filed with the prosecutor’s office for further review and any additional charges.